Yorkshire director named new chairman of the Independent Print Industries Association

The managing director of a Leeds-based print management firm has been appointed as the new chairman of the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA).

Mike Roberts, who is the managing director of PMG Print Management, will play a key role in rolling out the IPIA’s new accreditation scheme in 2018, as well as raising awareness of the association amongst sector stakeholders and promoting the continued value of the print industry.

Mike has been a council member for the IPIA for a number of years and will now serve as chairman in what will be a two-year tenure. He will work alongside IPIA chief executiveMarian Stefani and replaces Kath Doran who previously held the position.

Mike will carry out the role of chairman alongside his duties as managing director of PMG Print Management and plans to use his position as a platform to encourage young talent into the sector.

Founded in 1990, the IPIA was formed as a not-for-profit association focussed on helping its members from the print industry grow and develop their businesses. Today, the IPIA delivers ongoing backing to its 130-strong member base through a series of networking events, workshops and support services.

Mike has worked in the print industry for more than 30 years, having started as an apprentice paste-up artist when he left school at 16. Mike has served as PMG Print Management’s managing director for the last 14 years and before this, held positions at Alastair McIntosh Ltd and Hardy Business Forms.

Mike said: “I am delighted to join the IPIA as its new chairman and I look forward to working with Marian and the team in what is an exciting time for the association.

“As we look to grow our membership base across the industry I am excited at the prospect of developing the IPIA’s offering to our members.

“The industry, not just at manufacturing and shop level, needs to be attractive to young talent and we can play a key role in encouraging that talent into the industry. In addition, on the marketing side we’ve got to be influential and help marketeers understand the value of print and develop talent there as well.”

Marian Stefani, chief executive of the IPIA, said: “Mike brings a wealth of experience to the role built up through a career of over 30 years as a leading figure in the industry. His expertise will be extremely valuable in ensuring the continued success of the IPIA as we move forward and I look forward to working with him.”